Recovery. Sobriety. Living Wise.
These times when my family is experiencing a rite of passage I’m reminded of my friend Kieran’s unforgettable time on Mt. Kenya. I wrote about it in an earlier post. It tells a remarkable story of survival and how letting go is sometimes the only way we can save our life. Rites of passage in life can be a bit like crossing the monkey bars. … Continue reading Remembering Kieran on Mt. Kenya
In Turbulent Times — “Adapt yourself to change as the willow tree adapts itself to the weather. When the harsh winds of circumstance sweep across the landscape of your life, bow gracefully, bend gently, adapt graciously. You are wise to study well the ways of the willow. In the face of change, in the throes of adversity, in the midst of conflict and crisis, the … Continue reading Do You Bend Like the Willow?
Juggernaut: “Something such as a blind belief or institution, that elicits blind devotion to which someone is ruthlessly sacrificed.” ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary A juggernaut of magical thinking has descended upon the land and caused many to detach themselves from the real world. This magical thinking has engendered a false sense of empowerment which manifests itself in the thought that through the strength of my will I … Continue reading The Juggernaut of Self Will
This week’s post was inspired by a conversation with Tucker McHugh, a high school classmate who I have known for over 50 years. It was originally posted in December of 2017. I was raised on Wheaties, “The Breakfast of Champions.” Winning defined the purpose of my every endeavor: winning at school, winning at sports, winning with friends. Winning was symbolized by blue ribbons, gold stars, and A-pluses. … Continue reading Failure is a Gift
I recently turned 74 and to celebrate the event Marsha took me out to breakfast. It’s customary for us to mark the passing of each year with a reflective question. This year Marsha asked me, “Pat, how have you grown?” Hmmmm — nothing came to mind, nothing at all. It seems with the passage of time life has become a game of subtractions, not additions. Where … Continue reading A Time for Pruning